Hi-
You asked my favorite question.
The classic South Philly restaurant is
Dante and Luigi
762 S. 10th St.
Philadelphia PA
215-922-9501
Old country charm, in South Philly
Daily Pennsylvanian
By Tristan Schweiger
October 18, 2002
"Just a few blocks from the heart of the Italian Market, tucked into
an unassuming South Philadelphia residential block, lies one of the
city's true culinary -- and cultural -- gems.
For over 100 years now, Dante and Luigi's has been satisfying
Philadelphia's appetite for hearty Italian dishes with all the charm
and warmth of the old country.
The food, while not cheap, is certainly not overpriced -- especially
given its very high quality. The servers are always very friendly and
attentive without hovering."
Philadelphia Magazine's
Best of Philly
Food,"Classic Philly",Red-Sauce Italian, 2002
Felicia’s
1148 S. 11th St , Philadelphia PA 215-755-9656
"Everyone knows Ralphs, the red-sauce standard-bearer for close to 103
years. But sometimes you want more pizzazz than the basic Italian
formula. Felicias aims a little higher--with its sautéed funghi con
prosciutto, or the 18- ounce grilled T-bone, this kitchen shows it can
step it up a notch. Ultimately, though, its the old-school sauced
dishes (gnocchi in red sauce, or penne Felicia with onion and
pancetta) that strike the most comforting chord."
Tre Scalini
1533 S. 11th Street , Philadelphia PA 215-551-3870
Dont be put off by Tre Scalinis chain-smoking chef/owner, Franca
DiRenzo, when, cigarette in lips, ashes dangling, she pokes her head
out of the tiny kitchen to inspect the dining room. Shes a master of
simple Italian cuisine. Prosciutto di parma is topped with deftly
sautéed mushrooms, while her seared loin of lamb, simply plated on a
bed of greens with a bit of balsamic vinegar, is superior
Maggiano's Little Italy
1201 Filbert St. , Philadelphia PA 215-567-2020
Reasonable prices for unreasonably large portions is the meal ticket
of this
Southern Italian chain recently installed next door to the Reading
Terminal Market. From $1 happy hour appetizers to the pasta bowls
(offered in half and whole portions) to the three-course, family-style
dinners ($21.95), no one goes away hungry. maggianos.com
Best of Philly 2002
Reader's Choice,Italian Restauran
My personal favorites:
Right in the heart of the Italian Market is
Villa di Roma
932/36 South 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-592-1295
Looks like a working class bar (and one side is), but it has glorious
Southern Italian food, cheap. And you won't find more real South
Philly atmosphere. This is where people who work in the market eat.
The Saloon
750 South 7th Street
Philadelphia, PA
Phone: 215.627.1811
Superb Italian food.The Saloon features Regional Italian Gourmet, and
is consistently one of the best restaurants in Philadelphia featuring
great steaks and of course, classic Italian cuisine. Pricy.
The Victor Cafe
1303 Dickenson Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
One room is lined with record cabinets containing the "working' three
or four thousand of the family's considerable collection of 78 rpm
recordings, treasures of another era. Many discs are rare, out of
print or never published, but still earn their keep. A
larger-than-life replica of Nipper, well-known canine mascot of "His
Master's Voice" fame, stands sentinel at the front door, mute witness
to 75 years of devotion to an ideal.
Young servers break into song, old timer's drink wine at the bar and
the food's pretty good, too. Pricy.
Ralph's
760 South Ninth Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-627-6011
Price Range
$20 to $30
This Italian Market area old-timer (established in 1900 and still
owned by the same family) shows some intimations of its past but has
gone through a few decorative updates and structural additions. Cheek
by jowl seating doesn't deter any of the hoards of "regulars" who come
for its huge portions of classic "South Philly" food. A "family"
atmosphere prevails, and there's often bantering about who is eating
what.
Don't leave South Philly without a cannoli
Desanka
1165 South 9th Street , 215-551-9205
"Desanka, a South Philly storefront café named after the owner,
Desanka Giampaolo, doesnt seem like much--in fact, theres no
air-conditioning--but the homemade cannoli are special. Across the
street from Petes Live Poultry on a scruffy stretch of 9th Street just
below the Italian Market, this shop has sweets with crispy shells and
a smooth, tangy ricotta filling thats spooned in to order by Desanka.
For those who like to stray from tradition, theres a peerless
chocolate version, too." Philadelphia Magazine
The relatively new favorite for cheesesteaks is
Lorenzo's
900 Christian Street , Philadelphia PA 215-922-2540
Genos and Pats, diametrically opposed at 9th and Passyunk, have long
reigned supreme when it comes to steak, cheese and fried onions on a
roll. But no more. Lorenzos Pizza, farther north on 9th Street at
Christian, is the new king. Sit at the counter alongside the local
mailman on his lunch break, place your order with Pete the grillmaster
if you can (hell ignore you if hes busy), and wait for a cheesesteak
thats moist, a little fatty, seasoned with salt and pepper while on
the grill, spiked up with a mix of fried and raw onions, with American
cheese melted on top. Oh, and a toasted roll, too. Do yourself a
favor: Skip the Cheese Whiz. Its intense saltiness eliminates any
chance of tasting the beef.
Search strategy: "best of Philly", restaurant name and Philadelphia
Enjoy!
Nellie Bly |
,
0 Comments
)